Affective effects of program visualization

Abstract

Developers of program visualization (PV) systems generally claim positive affective effects of PV usage such as increased motivation. This work attempts to characterize and measure these effects. The methodology is based on video analysis of classroom activity for behavior patterns that are associated with uncooperative attitude and attention loss. These patterns are correlated with the different learning and teaching activities that occur. The results show a near-total reduction in bad behavior while using PV, supporting the positive affective effects claimed for PV.